Behaviour programs put in place after review into an embattled Barossa Valley high school was handed down

The new principal of the public high school is hoping for big changes following a troubled 2024 for the campus.

The principal of an embattled Barossa Valley high school is hoping to begin “a new chapter” after a review into student behaviour was finalised following complaints of bullying and poor working conditions from parents and staff.

Nuriootpa High School principal David Marino, who started the role at the start of 2025 after the former head left the school in June last year, said it had been “a calm and positive start” on campus.

An independent review of the school and student behaviour was launched in June 2024 after teachers and parents spoke to The Advertiser about misconduct at Nuriootpa.

Hendrix Mortimer, who was 13 at the time, when he was allegedly assaulted. Pictured with mother Cheyenne Dunn. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Student Hendrix Mortimer, who was 13 at the time, experienced memory loss months after his head was allegedly stomped on by another student in an incident which was filmed in April last year.

Separately, a teacher of more than a decade at the school, who had since moved to a different campus also said there had been multiple members of staff who expressed suicidal ideation due to their working conditions.

Nuriootpa High School had since put in place an “updated respectful behaviour procedure” and it has started the Positive Behaviour for Learning program, Mr Marino said.

Former Kapunda High school principal David Marino has taken up the role at Nuriootpa High School. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The program, which is being trialled at more than 40 primary and secondary campuses, involves teachers explicitly teaching children how to behave and each school tailors the program to suit their chosen values.

Staff training for the program is currently taking place.

“I’m excited to build on the work that was undertaken in the second half of 2024 to ensure that this school supports our students to learn within a safe and inclusive environment,” Mr Marino said.

“I am still getting to know the students and their parents/caregivers, along with the staff, as we work together on creating a new chapter for this school within the Nuriootpa community.”

An Education Department spokeswoman said consultation had taken place over the past year with school leaders, teaching and SSO staff, students, parents and governing council members.

“The review laid out a number of key focuses including ensuring appropriate supports are in place for all students that need them and an awareness of the bullying prevention policy for students, staff and parents,” she said.

The review was shared with the governing council and the school “regularly communicates with the parent community”.

Mr Marino “is working closely with the school community to focus on engaging and empowering students”, the spokeswoman said.

Roy Page had been acting principal for the rest of 2024 after previously leading Heathfield High School.

Mr Marino left Kapunda High School, where he was principal since 2022, at the end of last year to take up the role at Nuriootpa.

Originally published as Behaviour programs put in place after review into an embattled Barossa Valley high school was handed down